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Insider Profile: Steve Kemble

Sassy, fabulous, irreverent, effervescent, ubiquitous: All adjectives that describe Steve Kemble and would make him - he of one word "sentences" ending with multiple exclamation points, racy Facebook entries that delight thousands of followers and a reputation in the events industry as a supportive cheerleader -- proud.

Kemble will join the 2014 Events Solutions Conference lineup as your ambassador to fabulous finds throughout the show. You will find his sassy-fabness in the attendee lounge mixing and mingling with you, on the exhibit floor interviewing vendors, announcing featured speakers, as well as taking part in the opening ceremonies and Spotlight Awards.

But how did Kemble become so fabulous, you may be wondering. We caught up with him to ask that same question, plus a few more.

How did you get started in events?

I went to college knowing I wanted to do events! I got my degree in Public Relations because when I went to school there were no event companies per se, so it was suggested that I get my degree in PR since so many of the events were being produced by public relations and advertising agencies. My first job upon graduation was working on the event staff of US Congressman Jim Collins.

How long have you been in the industry?

31 years! WHOA!

Was there one event you found to be a game changer for you?

I had the opportunity to work on an amazing event for 35,000 people in the country of Armenia. The event was for the president of the country to celebrate the opening of the Tumo Center for Creative Technologies. It was truly an experience I will never forget. Armenia is one of the poorest countries in the world, yet I met the happiest people I have ever met in my life. I came back from that experience and changed so many things in both my professional and personal life.

How has the industry changed in these three decades?

With each year I find the industry becomes so much more professionally respected. We are now truly a profession and that could not have been said 31 years ago.

Your career today seems to be one-of-a-kind. Can you talk a little about what you do, and how you made this happen?

I wanted to expand my career and brand and in order to do this, I sought out public relations and marketing assistance to grow Steve Kemble Event Design. From this, the brand "Steve Kemble America's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru" was born! I continue to expand upon my lifestyle brand daily. One way I did this was venturing into reality TV. I have done nine reality shows to date and did this for more exposure for my brand. The exposure helped me take my client base and my brand to another level. Today, my career is 50% events and 50% speaking, articles for print publications, radio and television. The two go hand-in-hand because the people that see me on TV and hear me on the radio are the people that call and ask me to help produce their event.

You are so good about staying in the public eye. What are some tips you can give people for marketing and branding in such a competitive social media field these days?

First and foremost, I feel you have to be committed to doing social media on a daily basis.

Importantly, I feel "on a daily basis" means several times a day in order to stay relevant and in front of people as many times as possible. Once people begin to follow you, they will become more interested in you and your product. My advice would always be to consider and start with a blog.

What has been the best advice you've received?

I love when I heard Sir Richard Branson say, "A setback is never a bad experience, just another one of life's lessons."

Who or what inspires you?

I am inspired by experts who try to make their work better, and when it doesn't happen, they try again!

What is your secret for always being so positive and passionate about what you do?

Each and every day I think about what someone told me early in my career: "If you don't believe in what you are doing, why would anyone else?"